Getting to Know Jeane Kim: A Steady Force Behind the Scenes
Many of you already know Jeane Kim—not just as an apprentice, but as a calm and steady presence who has helped shape Pilates DNA from the ground up. From the early days, Jeane has shown up with quiet consistency—observing, assisting, practicing, and even helping lay the physical bricks of our new studio space. Her commitment to Contrology runs deep, and she brings both reverence and curiosity to her study of the method.
I recently sat down with Jeane to learn more about her journey into Pilates, why she chose to teach, and what she believes makes a good teacher.
Q: How did you first discover Pilates?
Jeane: I actually started with a group reformer class—ten machines in a row, everyone doing the same movements. But something about it didn’t click. So I went home and did some research. I read about Joseph Pilates, found out about classical Pilates, and started reading the “About Us” sections of different studios. When I read about how seriously you took the method—mentioning Joe directly—I thought, “Okay, this seems like the real deal.” I came to your studio and signed up for three classes. That’s when it clicked. I’d done other movement disciplines, even aerial classes, but this felt purposeful. It felt like a method.
Q: What inspired you to become a Pilates teacher?
Jeane: I think it started after working with you for a few years and realizing how much depth the method has. I had the good fortune of working with other good teachers, as well, and the through line of all of them exhibiting such calm, clear ways in their guidance made a huge impression on me. I’m naturally pretty self-critical, and seeing how they carried themselves helped me find more ease and confidence. I also love that Pilates is a method without an endpoint. There’s always more to learn, and no ego in that—just a process.
Q: What do you think makes a good teacher?
Jeane: A good teacher really sees the person in front of them and understands how to help them build awareness in their own body. It’s not just about giving a set of exercises—it’s about how you communicate and adjust based on that specific person’s needs. I also think a good teacher respects the method and continues to learn. That’s one thing I really appreciate: there’s a structure, but there’s also space for creativity within that structure. Coming from a creative background, I connect with that. In both creative work and Pilates, the process is everything.
